PhD in Counseling and Psychology 48 credits
Transformative leadership, education, and applied research in Counseling and Psychology advances social justice, the capacity for critical inquiry and self-reflection, health-promoting behavior, and inclusive communities that affirm the dignity of every human being and culture. This is consistent with the mission of Lesley University and there is an urgent need in society to incorporate these transformative values and applied research objectives into mental health programs, schools and higher education.
The Department of Counseling and Psychology at Lesley University has developed this program for licensed mental health professionals and school counselors to pursue doctoral level careers in transformative leadership, education, and applied research. Consistent with our philosophical orientation toward pragmatic reflective practice, this program emphasizes skills that deepen critical inquiry and enable students to articulate an area of study that is professionally meaningful and socially transformative.
Program Overview
Lesley University's weekend cohort-based model supports the continual professional and scholarly development of our students, providing doctoral-level education for mental health professionals who strive to be leaders in the field, continuing to research, teach, and promote well-being and healing. Unique in its concept, the program provides an accessible forum that empowers individuals to further their knowledge and abilities to positively transform individuals, and the world.
The 48-credit, post-master's program of study is structured by year, with a blend of online and on-campus classroom hours. The program requires a minimum of 4 years for completion, with dissertation attempted after successful completion of year 3.
Program Prerequisites
- Master’s Degree in Counseling and equivalent professional license as mental health counselor, school counselor, or equivalent profession
- Demonstration of good communication skills in the English language, both written and oral, at a level appropriate to doctoral study.
- 3-5 years professional experiences as a licensed mental health counselor or equivalent profession
For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.
Program of Study
Students must register for GCOUP 9151 in fall, spring, and summer semesters of each year they are taking courses and each semester thereafter until they have completed their dissertation defense.
Doctoral Year 1
| GCOUP 8001 | Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Leadership I | 1 |
| GCOUP 8024 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry and Research Methodology | 3 |
| GCOUP 8003 | Promoting Social Justice in Counseling and Psychology: Clinical, Educational, and Global Perspectives | 3 |
| GCOUP 8004 | Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Leadership II | 1 |
| GCOUP 8005 | Doctoral Seminar: Transformative Leadership III | 1 |
| GCOUP 8002 | Qualitative Methods | 3 |
| GCOUP 8012 | Applied Practice | 3 |
| GCOUP 9151 | Doctoral Study | |
Doctoral Year 2
Take elective course (3 credits) in the summer of either the second (recommended) or third year.
Doctoral Year 3
| GCOUP 8007 | Trauma-Informed Leadership in Agencies, Schools and Organizations | 3 |
| GCOUP 8015 | Applied Practice II | 3 |
| GCOUP 8017 | Social Entrepreneurship: Program Development, Evaluation, and Funding | 3 |
| GCOUP 9151 | Doctoral Study | |
Doctoral Year 4